Is Monday, Feb 17 a Holiday in USA?
Monday, February 17th, is a day that many people in the United States look forward to, but is it actually a holiday? The answer is not as straightforward as one might think. While it is not a federal holiday, it is a day that holds significant importance in American history and culture.
February 17th is celebrated as Washington’s Birthday in the United States. This holiday commemorates the birthday of George Washington, the first President of the United States, who was born on February 22, 1732. However, in 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act was passed, which moved the celebration of Washington’s Birthday to the third Monday in February. This change was made to create more three-day weekends for workers.
While Washington’s Birthday is not a federal holiday, it is observed as a holiday in some states and localities. For example, in Virginia, the state where George Washington was born, it is a state holiday. In addition, some private businesses and schools may also observe the day as a holiday.
It is important to note that the name of the holiday has been changed to “Presidents’ Day” in many places. This name change was made to honor not only George Washington but also Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, who was born on February 12th. However, this name change has been controversial, as it diminishes the significance of Washington’s Birthday and the unique contributions of George Washington to the nation’s history.
In conclusion, while Monday, February 17th, is not a federal holiday in the United States, it is a day that is celebrated in various forms across the country. Whether it is observed as Washington’s Birthday, Presidents’ Day, or simply a day off from work, it is a day that pays tribute to the nation’s history and the leaders who shaped it.
